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Liturgy, Solemnities & Feasts

Liturgy 

Refers to the customary, day to day public worship performed by a religious group. As a religious phenomenon, liturgy represents a communal response to and participation in the sacred through activities reflecting praise, thanksgiving, remembrance, supplication or repentance.

Solemnities

In the liturgical calendar, a solemnity is a feast day of the highest ranking. The mass of a Solemnity has proper readings and prayers, the Gloria and Credo, and use of incense, a processional hymn and procession, and a recessional hymn/recession. Outside of AdventLent and Eastertide, a solemnity falling on a Sunday is celebrated in place of the Sunday.   The word comes from postclassical Latin sollemnitas, meaning a solemnity, festival, celebration of a day.

Feasts

​Are celebrations of secondary liturgical days including lesser events in the life of Jesus, Mary or an Apostle or  major saints. There are proper readings and prayers for the feast. A Feast pertaining to the Lord (e.g. Transfiguration) falling on a Sunday during Ordinary Time replaces the Sunday Liturgy. Unlike feast days of the rank of feast (other than feasts of the Lord) or those of the rank of memorial, solemnities replace the celebration of Sundays outside Advent, Lent, and Easter (those in Ordinary Time). 

24th December 

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD

A Son is Given to Us

​

The darkness of this night is transformed by the birth of our Saviour. As calm and stillness descend upon the earth we hear once more the joyful song, 'Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth'. May that blessing of peace be upon us, our family, our friends, our world.

​

The Readings:

Isaiah 9:1-7

Titus 2:11-14

Gospel: Luke 2:1-14

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Collect:

O God, who have made this most sacred night radiant with the splendour of the true light, grant, we pray, that we, who have known the mysteries of his light on earth, may also delight in his gladness in heaven.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 19th December

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Blessed is the Fruit of Your Womb

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The birth of Christ is almost upon us. Elizabeth's joyful greeting of Mary and her child is soon to be ours as we welcome God's renewed visitation of his people.

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The Readings:

Micah 5:1-4

Hebrews 10:5-10

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

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Collect:

Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 12th December

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The Lord is Very Near

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Today is sometimes called Gaudete Sunday , which comes from the Entrance Antiphon. Gaudete in Latin means Rejoice! Looking forward to the coming of Christ is a matter of great joy. God is very close to us: John the Baptist tells us what we must do to welcome him.

 

The Readings:

Zephaniah 3:14-18

Philippians 4:4-7

Gospel: Luke 3:10-18

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Collect:

O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord's Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 5th December

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Prepare a Way for the Lord

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We are to straighten our wayward paths and smooth out our rough ways in readiness for Christ's coming. On that day God will escorts us with joy into his kingdom.

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The Readings :

Baruch 5:1-9

Philippians 1:4-6.8-11

Gospel : Luke 3:1-6

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Collect :

Almighty and merciful God, may no earthly undertaking hinder those who set out in haste to meet your Son, but may our learning of heavenly wisdom gain us admittance to his company.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

28th November 2021

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT - Year C

Stand with Confidence before God

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Christ will come again in glory. To prepare ourselves for that time we are to grow in holiness each day so that we may be blameless in God's sight when the Son of Man comes to judge the world.

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The Readings at Mass:

Jeremiah 33:14-16

1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

The Gospel : Luke 21:25-28.34-36

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Collect :

Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming, so that, gathered at his right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly Kingdom.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 7th November

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THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Give as God Gives

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The selfless generosity of the two women in today's readings is but a sign of God's reckless generosity in giving us himself in his Son, Jesus Christ. We too are called to give all that we have and trust that God will look after us.

​

The Readings:

1 Kings 17:10-16

Hebrews 9:24-28

Gospel: Mark 12:38-44

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Collect:

Almighty and merciful God,

graciously keep from us all adversity,

so that, unhindered in mind and body alike,

we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are yours.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Tuesday 2nd November

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ALL SOULS

Whoever Comes to Me I Shall Not Turn Away

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Today we commend to God's mercy all who have died. God is a merciful judge who wills that everyone should live because his Son has redeemed the who human race. As we remember those of our own family and friends who have gone before us, the sadness of death gives way to the bright promise of immortality.

​

The Readings:

Isaiah 25:6-9

Romans 5:5-11

Gospel: Mark 15:33-39; 16:1-6

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Collect:

Listen kindly to our prayers, O Lord, and, as our faith in your Son, raised from the dead, is deepened, so may our hope of resurrection for your departed servants also find new strength.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 31st October

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ALL SAINTS

To Be With God For Ever

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We all long to see God face to face. Today we honour countless men and women who remained faithful to Christ's gospel to the hour of death. We pray for the intercession of all the Saints to help us follow them to the heavenly city.

​

The Readings:

Apocalypse 7:2-4.9-14

1 John 3:1-3

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12

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Collect:

Almighty ever-living God,

by whose gift we venerate in one celebration the merits of all the Saints, bestow on us, we pray, through the prayers of so many intercessors, an abundance of the reconciliation with you for which we eternally long.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 24th October

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THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Your Faith Has Saved You

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We are continually in need of God's healing power in Christ to cure our blindness to his ways and our deafness to his word. If our faith is strong enough for us to cry 'Jesus, have pity on me' then we may be sure that he will save us.

​

The Readings:

Jeremiah 31:7-9

Hebrews 5:1-6

Gospel: Mark 10:46-52

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Collect:

Almighty ever-living God,

increase our faith, hope, and charity, and make us love what you command, so that we may merit what you promise.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 17th October

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TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

The Servant Master

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The truly rich are those who make themselves poor; the Lords are the servants; the man who lives his life to the full is the one who appears to suffer and be crushed. Only Jesus can show us such statements are wisdom, not foolishness.

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The Readings:

Isaiah 53:10-11

Hebrews 4:14-16

Gospel: Mark 10:35-45

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Collect:

Almighty ever-living God, grant that we may always conform our will to yours and serve your majesty in sincerity of heart.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 10th October

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TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Wisdom Before Riches

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Adequate means for our livelihood may be necessary, but preoccupation with riches makes it difficult to enter God's kingdom. By being attentive to his word we can learn the wisdom to know what is truly important.

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The Readings:

Wisdom 7:7-11

Hebrews 4:12-13

Gospel: Mark 10:17-30

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Collect:

May your grace, O Lord, we pray, at all times go before us and follow after and make us always determined to carry out good works.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 3rd October

​

THE ANNIVERSARY OF DEDICATION

You Are The Temple of God

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A church is both the building and the people who gather in it. For we ourselves are the living stones of God's temple, Christ being the corner -stone. So our parish church will truly become a sacred place when it is sanctified by the Holy lives of its parishioners.

​

The Readings:

Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12

1 Peter 2:4-9

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

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Collect:

O God, who year by year renew for us the day when this your Holy temple was consecrated, hear the prayers of your people and grant that in this place for you there may always be pure worship and for us, fullness of redemption.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 26th September

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TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

If Only Everyone were Prophets

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We like to see things neat and ordered. But the Spirit of God is not orderly but blows wherever God wills. We have to be prepared to see his will at work in the strangest of people and the most unlikely of places.

​

The Readings:

Numbers 11:25-29

James 5:1-6

Gospel: Mark 9:38-43.45.47-48

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Collect:

O God, who manifest your almighty power above all by pardoning and showing mercy, bestow, we pray, your grace abundantly upon us and make those hastening to attain your promises heirs to the treasures of heaven.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 19th September

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HARVEST THANKSGIVING

The Earth has Yielded its Fruit, The Lord God has Blessed Us

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There is nothing intrinsically wrong with the world: God made it and it is good. But we must look beyond it to it's creator if we are to appreciate the kingdom to which God has called us. Today we give thanks to Him for our plenty and share it with those who have little.

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The Readings:

Deuteronomy 8:7-18

1 Corinthians 3:6-10

Gospel: Luke 12:15-21

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Collect:

O Lord, good Father, who in providence have entrusted the earth to the human race, grant, we pray, that with the fruits harvested from it we may be able to sustain life and, with your help, always use them to promote your praise and the well-being of all. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 12th September

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TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

I Believe - You Are the Christ

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Today we hear how Peter professed his faith in Our Lord. We renew our faith at this Mass, acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God, our Saviour and Lord.

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The Readings:

Isaiah 50:5-9

James 2:14-18

Gospel: Mark 8:27-35

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Collect:

Look upon us, O God,

Creator and ruler of all things, and, that we may feel the working of your mercy, grant that we may serve you with all our heart.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 5th September

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TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

The Deaf Hear and the Dumb Speak

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God's promise, made through Isaiah, is fulfilled in Jesus. Even today he works in us, giving us the power to hear him and to proclaim his Good News.

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The Readings:

Isaiah 35:4-7

James 2:1-5

Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

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Collect:

O God, by whom we are redeemed and receive adoption, look graciously upon your beloved sons and daughters, that those who believe in Christ may receive true freedom and everlasting inheritance.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 29th August

​

SAINT AUGUSTINE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Our Feast of Title

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St. Augustine was born at Thagaste in Africa in the year 354. As a young man he lead an unsettled life both in the philosophy he professed and in his moral behaviour, but later, in the year 387,he was converted and received baptism at Milan from the bishop Saint Ambrose. He went back to his own country and led the life of an ascetic. He was elected Bishop of Hippo, for thirty four years he was an exemplary bishop to his flock, teaching his people by his sermons and writings, striving to combat the errors of the time and to make the faith understood. He died in the year 430. He is regarded as a great Saint and one of the most influential Doctors of the Church.

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The Readings:

Ecclesiasticus 39:6-10

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Gospel: Matthew 24:42-51

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Collect:

Renew in your Church, we pray, O Lord, the spirit with which you endowed your Bishop Saint Augustine that, filled with the same spirit, we may thirst for you, the sole fount of true wisdom, and seek you, the author of heavenly love.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 22nd August

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TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

We Will Serve The Lord and None Other

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Our faith in Christ our Lord finds its fulfilment in the Mass, for here we celebrate the source and summit of our Christian faith, acknowledging Jesus as the Lord of Life, both here and in eternity.

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The Readings:

Joshua 24:1-2.15-18

Ephesians 5:21-32

Gospel: John 6:60-69

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Collect:

O God, who cause the minds of the faithful to unite in a single purpose, grant your people to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that amid the uncertainties of this world, our hearts may be fixed on that place where true gladness is found.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 15th August 2021

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THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Most Blessed of All Women

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Jesus, born of Mary, has conquered sin and death. She has already shared in her Son's victory by being taken up to heaven. We ask her intercession that we may be found worthy to join her in her Son's kingdom.

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The Readings:

Apocalypse 11:19;12:1-6.10

1 Corinthians 15:20-27

Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

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Collect:

Almighty ever-living God,

who assumed the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the Mother of your Son, body and soul into heavenly glory, grant, we pray, that, always attentive to the things above, we may merit to be sharers of her glory.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 8th August

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NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

He Who Eats This Bread will Live for Ever

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Jesus tells us today that receiving his body in Holy Communion is not a privilege for the virtuous but a necessity for the Christian making pilgrimage towards heaven.

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The Readings:

1 Kings 19:4-8

Ephesians 4:30-5:2

Gospel: John 6:41-51

 

Collect:

Almighty ever-living God,

whom, taught by the Holy Spirit, we dare call our Father, bring we pray, to perfection in our hearts the spirit of adoption as your sons and daughters, that we may merit to enter into the inheritance which you have promised.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 8th August

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NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

He Who Eats This Bread will Live for Ever

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Jesus tells us today that receiving his body in Holy Communion is not a privilege for the virtuous but a necessity for the Christian making pilgrimage towards heaven.

​

The Readings:

1 Kings 19:4-8

Ephesians 4:30-5:2

Gospel: John 6:41-51

​

Collect:

Almighty ever-living God,

whom, taught by the Holy Spirit, we dare call our Father, bring we pray, to perfection in our hearts the spirit of adoption as your sons and daughters, that we may merit to enter into the inheritance which you have promised.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 25th July

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SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

One Body, Broken and Shared

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For the next five Sundays we listen to St. John's discourse on Jesus, the Bread of Life, who feeds his people abundantly with all they need. Today he feeds us with his word and his sacrament.

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The Readings:

2 Kings 2:42-44

Ephesians 4:1-6

Gospel: John 6:1-15

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Collect:

O God, protector of those who hope in you, without whom nothing has firm foundation, nothing is holy, bestow in abundance your mercy upon us and grant that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may use the good things that pass in such a way as to hold fast even now to those that ever endure.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 18th July

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SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Near Restful Waters He Leads Me

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Jesus is the sign of peace between members of his flock. As shepherd he leads us to our true happiness and protects us from harm. In the quietness of prayer we can be alone with him and he will refresh our tired spirits.

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The Readings:

Jeremiah 23:1-6

Ephesians 2:13-18

Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

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Collect:

Show favour, O Lord, to your servants and mercifully increase the gift of your grace,

that, made fervent in hope, faith and charity, they may be ever watchful in keeping your commands.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 11th July

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FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

God Chose Us in Christ

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As soon as we accept our baptism, we become full-time missionaries for our Lord. Like the disciples we are sent out to preach by word and example; like Amos we must proclaim the Gospel message whatever the difficulties.

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The Readings:

Amos 7:12-15

Ephesians 1:3-14

Gospel: Mark 6:7:13

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Collect:

O God, who show the light of your truth to those who go astray, so that they may return to the right path, give all who for the faith they profess are accounted Christians the grace to reject whatever is contrary to the name of Christ and to strive after all that does it honour.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 4th July

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FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Jesus the Carpenter - Prophet

​

In the trails and tribulations of everyday life it is easy to miss the wood from the trees. God's word and will for our lives can be staring us in the face, yet we so easily miss them. Let us pray to be sensitive to all kinds of people and situations through which God may be showing us his will.

​

The Readings:

Ezekiel 2:2-5

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Gospel: Mark 6:1-6

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Collect:

O God, who in the abasement of your Son have raised up a fallen world, fill your faithful with a holy joy, for those you have rescued from slavery to sin you bestow eternal gladness.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 27th June

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THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Your Faith has Restored You to Health

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Jesus is Lord over life and death. He created us to be alive, not dead. Through our faith in him we need not fear death but see it as a gateway to eternal life.

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The Readings:

Wisdom 1:13-15;2:23-24

2 Corinthians 8:7.9.13-15

Gospel: Mark 5:21-43

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Collect:

O God, who through the grace of adoption chose us to be children of light,

grant, we pray, that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 20th June

 

TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Even the Wind and the Sea Obey Him

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God has mastery over all his creation. Yet we are not frightened by him, but reassured. When we are bewildered or afraid God is near us in Jesus with the words 'Quiet now! Be calm!'

​

The Readings:

Job 38:1.8-11

2 Corinthians 5:14-17

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41

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Collect:

Grant,O Lord,

that we may always revere and love

your holy name, for you never deprive of your guidance those you set firm on the foundation of your love.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 13th June

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ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

A Place at God's Table for Everyone

​

Like a mustard seed, the Church grows - in a mysterious way. For God is in control and it is he who invites all sorts an conditions of people to fellowship within it.

​

The Readings:

Ezekiel 17:22-24

2 Corinthians 5:6-10

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

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Collect:

O God,

strength of those who hope in you, graciously hear our pleas, and, since without you mortal frailty can do nothing, grant us always the help of your grace, that following your commands we may please you by our resolve and our deeds.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who live and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 6th June

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THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (CORPUS CHRISTI)

Communion in Christ

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Today we give thanks for the gift of the Holy Eucharist, in this great sacrament we obey Jesus' command to eat and drink in his memory. He left us a permanent and effective memorial of his death and resurrection - the sacrament of his sacrifice on Calvary, the food and drink for our journey to eternal life.

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The Readings:

Exodus 24:3-8

Hebrews 9:11-15

Gospel: Mark 14:12-16.22-26

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Collect:

O God,

who in this wonderful Sacrament have left us a memorial of your Passion, grant us, we pray, so to revere the sacred mysteries of your Body and Blood that we may experience in ourselves the fruits of your redemption.

Who live and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 30th May

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THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

Three Persons Equal in Majesty, yet One God

​

Today we praise and bless God for being who he is: the Father full of tenderness and compassion, the Son who has made us he co-heirs of glory, and the Spirit who leads us into all truth

​

The Readings:

Deuteronomy 4:32-34.39-40

Romans 8:14-17

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

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Collect:

God our Father,

who by sending into the world the Word of truth and the Spirit of sanctification made know to the human race your wondrous mystery, grant us, we pray, that in professing the true faith, we may acknowledge the Trinity of eternal glory and adore your Unity, powerful in majesty.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 23rd May

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PENTECOST SUNDAY

One Voice to Profess One Faith

​

The sending of the Holy Spirit is God's gift to us to complete his work on earth. The Spirit strengthens us and binds us in the unity of the Church. In that Spirit we can say in truth 'Jesus is Lord'.

​

The Readings:

Acts 2:1-11

Galatians 5:16-25

Gospel: John 15:26-27;16:12-15

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Collect:

O God, who by the mystery of today's great feast sanctify your whole Church in every people and nation, pour out, we pray, the gifts of the Holy Spirit across the face of the earth and, with the divine grace that was at work when the Gospel was first proclaimed, fill now once more the hearts of believers.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 16th May

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SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER -

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

God Goes Up with Shouts of Joy

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Jesus has taken his place at the right hand of the Father. His entry into glory is a cause of hope for us: where he has gone, we hope to follow.

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The Readings:

Acts 1:1-11

Ephesians 4:1-13

Gospel: Mark 16:15-20

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Collect:

Gladden us with holy joys, almighty God,

and make us rejoice with devout thanksgiving, for the Ascension of Christ your Son is our exaltation, where he the Head has gone before in glory, the Body is called to follow in hope.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 9th May

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Remain in My Love

​

Love comes from God and binds us to him, even though we cannot see him. If we keep his commandments he will be always with us.

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The Readings:

Acts 10:25-26.34-35.44-48

1 John 4:7-10

Gospel: John 15:9-17

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Collect:

Grant, almighty God,

that we may celebrate with heartfelt devotion these days of joy, which we keep in honour of the risen Lord, and that what we relive in remembrance we may always hold to in what we do.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 2nd May

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

I Am the Vine, You Are the Branches

​

We can only truly grow if we grow in his love and his Holy Spirit. Apart from him we are helpless. The secret of spiritual fruitfulness is union with God, union that is realised especially in the Eucharist, also rightly called "Communion".

​

The Readings:

Acts 9:26-31

1 John 3:18-24

Gospel: John 15:1-8

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Collect:

Almighty ever-living God,

constantly accomplish the Paschal Mystery within us, that those you were pleased to make new in Holy Baptism may, under your protective care, bear much fruit and come to the joys of life eternal.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 25th April

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FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

We Shall See God as He Really Is

​

Jesus the Good Shepherd knows us intimately - indeed he lives within us. By the power of his Spirit and in his name we shall one day see God and be with him eternally.

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The Readings:

Acts 4:8-12

1 John 3:1-2

Gospel: John 10:11-18

​

Collect:

Almighty ever-living God,

lead us to the joys of heaven, so that the humble flock may reach where the brave Shepherd has gone before.

Who ho lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

23rd April

SAINT GEORGE, MARTYR, PATRON OF ENGLAND

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Most scholars now agree that St George was a martyr who suffered at Diospolis (Lydda, Ludd) in Palestine, probably under Diocletian. The other legends can be disregarded, including that of dragon slayer which is of more recent origin. The crusaders gave great impetus to devotion to St George in the West, though veneration to him goes back to the 7th Century. He is venerated in the East as one of fourteen Holy Helpers and, universally, as the model of soldiers and the helper of women. He is the patron saint of England, Aragon, Portugal, Germany, Genoa and Venice, and protector of Ferrara. He is especially honoured in the East as the patron of soldiers. His patronage of England was officially approved by Pope Benedict XIV.

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Collect

God of hosts, who so kindled the fire of charity in the heart of Saint George your martyr, that he bore witness to the risen Lord both by his life and by his death; grant us through his intercession, we pray, the same faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in his triumph may be led to share with him in the fullness of resurrection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Let us ask for the grace to be filled, like St George, with the fire of charity so that we may follow his example, inspired by the reward of heavenly glory, and become ardent soldiers for Christ!

Sunday 18th April

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THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

The One Who Died Is Risen

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It is the same power of God that raised Jesus from the dead that is present at this Eucharist. In this way God's love can come to perfection in us.

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The Readings:

Acts 3:13-15.17-19

1 John 2:1-5

Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

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Collect:

May your people exult for ever, O God, in renewed youthfulness of spirit, so that, rejoicing now in the restored glory of our adoption, we may look forward in confident hope to the rejoicing of the day of resurrection.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who ho lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 11th April

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SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER -

THE DIVINE MERCY

Happy are Those who Have Not Seen and Yet Believe

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The great joy of Easter continues. Even though we cannot see God, we are encouraged by the triumph of Christ's resurrection and we profess our faith that God, in His Divine Mercy, will raise us too.

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The Readings:

Acts 4:32-35

1 John 5:1-6

Gospel: John 20:19-31

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Collect:

God of everlasting mercy, who, in the very recurrence of the Paschal feast kindle the faith of the people you have made your own, increase, we pray, the grace you have bestowed, that all may grasp and rightly understand in what font they have been washed, by whose Blood they have been redeemed.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who ho lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 4th April

EASTER SUNDAY - THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

Christ Our Passover Has Risen

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The Lord's right hand has triumphed and Christ is risen from the dead. Our thoughts are lifted to spiritual heights as we contemplate Christ's victory and look forward in hope to the promises which his resurrection holds out to us.

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The Readings:

Acts 10:34.37-43

Colossians 3:1-4

Gospel: John 20:1-9

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Collect:

O God, who on this day, through your Only Begotten Son, have conquered death and unlocked for us the path to eternity, grant, we pray, that we who keep the solemnity of the Lord's Resurrection may, through the renewal brought by your Spirit, rise up in the light of life.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who ho lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

THE SACRED PASCHAL TRIDUUM

1st, 2nd and 3rd April 2021

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The Paschal Triduum, (the Easter “Three Days”, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday & Holy Saturday) is the celebration of the Christian Passover. Just as our Jewish ancestors gathered annually to remember the events of their release from slavery in Egypt, so too, we gather to celebrate our Passover from death to life in Christ.

The Triduum is one Liturgy that occurs over the three days of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.

The Triduum begins on the evening of Maundy Thursday, with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, when we commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist and watch with him in the garden of Gethsemane.

On Good Friday, we commemorate the Lord’s Passion and Death.

Holy Saturday is a day of quiet reflection that Christ has truly died, and we wait at his tomb. On Saturday night in the darkness we witness the Light of Christ as we recount our salvation laid out in the Scriptures, in the great Easter Vigil and hear the truth that Christ is risen again, as the Church celebrates the First Mass of Easter, proclaiming the Resurrection of the Lord.

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Sadly, this year St. Augustine's is unable to celebrate these Triduum Liturgies with public worship, but we can journey with our Lord in his Passion as we meet on Good Friday at 2:00pm for Stations of the Cross and on Easter Sunday morning we shall bless the Paschal Candle and renew our Baptismal promises within our Parish Mass at 10:00am.

Sunday 28th March

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PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD

The King who Comes in the Name of the Lord

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Today the Church recalls the entrance of Christ the Lord into Jerusalem to accomplish his Paschal Mystery. We hail him as our King, who through death and resurrection will establish his Kingdom as the hope of our salvation.

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The Readings:

Palm Gospel: Mark 11:1-10

Isaiah 50: 4-7

Philippians 2:6-11

Passion Gospel: Mark 14:1-15:47

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Collect:

Almighty ever-living God, who as an example of humility for the human race to follow caused our Saviour to take flesh and submit to the Cross, graciously grant that we may heed his lesson of patient suffering and so merit a share in his Resurrection.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

25th March

THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD

Solemnity

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On the floor of the Holy House in Nazareth, an inscription reads 'Verbum Caro hic factum est' ; 'The Word was made flesh here'. When the Blessed Virgin said 'yes' to the Angel Gabriel, the Word became flesh and dwelt in her womb for nine months. The Annunciation is the prologue to the mysteries of Holy Week: the Incarnation happened so that we could be redeemed; the child conceived on this day was born to die for our sins and conquer death.

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The Readings:

Isaiah 7:10-14,8:10

Hebrews 10:4-10

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

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Collect:

O God, who willed that your Word should take on the reality of human flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, that we, who confess our Redeemer to be God and man, may merit to be partakers even in his divine nature.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 21st March

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FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

If a Wheat Grain Dies, it Yields a Rich Harvest

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Jesus was destined to die in order to give us life. We must die to sin, die to our selfish ways, if we are to be alive to Christ and alive for his kingdom.

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The Readings:

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Hebrews 5:7-9

Gospel: John 12:20-26

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Collect:

By your help, we beseech you, Lord our God, may we walk eagerly in that same charity with which, out of love for the world, your Son handed himself over to death.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

19th March

SAINT JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. Solemnity

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Nothing is known of St Joseph except what is said of him in the Gospels. He was a carpenter; he accepted the will of God; and he supported Mary and brought up Jesus. From the human character of his son we can see that he was a good and responsible father. He is widely venerated as a patron of artisans who honourably do good work with the gifts God has given them, and of workers in general. To those who exercise the role of an adoptive parent, whether formally or informally, whether over one child or as the support of a whole family, he is a source of inspiration.

He died before the beginning of Jesus's public ministry. He is venerated as the Patron of a good death.

Pope Pius IX named him Patron of the Universal Church and Pope John XIII added his name to the Roman Canon.

Pope Francis has dedicated 2021 as the Year of St. Joseph.

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Collect:

Grant, we pray, almighty God,

that by Saint Joseph’s intercession

your Church may constantly watch over

the unfolding of the mysteries of human salvation,

whose beginnings you entrusted to his faithful care.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Icon of St. Joseph used by permission of Monastery Icons.

17th March

SAINT PATRICK, BISHOP, PATRON OF IRELAND

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He was born in Roman Britain around the end of the 4th century, and died in Ireland about the middle of the 5th century. As a missionary bishop, he endured many hardships and faced opposition even from his friends and fellow Christians. Nevertheless, he worked hard to conciliate, to evangelize, and to educate local chieftains and their families. He is remembered for his simplicity and pastoral care, for his humble trust in God, and for his fearless preaching of the gospel to the very people who had enslaved him in his youth.

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Collect:

O God, who chose the Bishop Saint Patrick

to preach your glory to the peoples of Ireland,

grant, through his merits and intercession,

that those who glory in the name of Christian

may never cease to proclaim your wondrous deeds to all.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 14th March

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FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT - MOTHERING SUNDAY

Dead through Sin but Alive through Grace

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God does not wish anyone to perish. In his mercy he offers sinners eternal life if only we commit ourselves to the Son he sent to save us.

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The Readings:

2 Chronicles 36:14-16.19-23

Ephesians 2:4_10

Gospel: John 3:14-21

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Collect:

O God, who through your Word reconcile the human race to yourself in a wonderful way, grant, we pray, that with prompt devotion and eager faith the Christian people may hasten towards the solemn celebrations to come.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 7th March

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THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

The Foolishness of God

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Here is the nub of the Christian challenge. Do we trust the ways of the world or do we look for a deeper wisdom which seems sheer foolishness - the cross of our Lord?

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The Readings:

Exodus 20:1-17

1 Corinthians 1:22-25

Gospel: John 2:13-25

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Collect:

O God, author of every mercy and of all goodness, who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving have shown us a remedy for sin, look graciously on this confession of our lowliness, that we, who are bowed down by our conscience, may always be lifted up by your mercy.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 28th February

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SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

I Will Walk in the Presence of the Lord

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Today's Gospel is the account of how Jesus was transfigured in front of his closest friends. In Jesus's transfiguration - that glimpse of his divine glory - we are encouraged to be confident that we shall be with God eternally if we remain faithful to him now.

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The Readings:

Genesis 22:1-2.9-13.15-18

Romans 8:31-34

Gospel: Mark 9:2-10

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Collect:

O God, who have commanded us to listen to your beloved Son, be pleased, we pray, to nourish us inwardly by your word, that spiritual sight may be made pure, we may rejoice to behold your glory.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 21st February

PARISH MASS AT 10:00am (NEW TIME!)

Come and join us!

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FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

Your Ways, Lord, are Faithfulness and Love

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As Jesus was ever faithful to his Father's will and to his vocation to bring the Good News, we too are promised the strength to resist temptation and be true to our faith.

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The Readings:

Genesis 9:8-15

1 Peter 3:18-22

Gospel: Mark 1:12-15

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Collect:

Grant, almighty God, through the yearly observance of Holy Lent, that we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ and by worthy conduct pursue their effects.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Wednesday 17th February

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ASH WEDNESDAY - LENT BEGINS

Come Back to Me with All Your Heart

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Lent is a forty-day journey when we travel with Christ to Jerusalem to be with him in his suffering and death in order to be with him also in his resurrection to glory.

Ash Wednesday provides the starting point, when we recall our status as 'dust of the earth', brought to life by God's creative power alone.

In the ashes of this day we acknowledge that we are God's creatures and are willing to repent - a necessary prelude to conversion of heart and openness to the Gospel. Prayer and fasting are the means of our Lenten conversion to God.

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The Readings:

Joel 2:12-18

2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2

Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6.16-18

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Collect:

Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service, so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 14th February

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Restored to Health

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When Jesus cured the leper it enabled him to be restored to his family and friends as well as to health. By being renewed with the body and blood of Christ at today's Mass we are strengthened and united to the family that is God's Church.

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The Readings:

Leviticus 13:1-2.44-46

1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1

Gospel: Mark 1:40-45

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Collect:

O God, who teach us that you abide in hearts that are just and true, grant that we may be so fashioned by your grace as to become a dwelling pleasing to you.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 7th February 

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

The Lord Heals the Broken-Hearted

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So much of Jesus' work was healing. When we feel weak or dispirited, it is Jesus who can raise us up, bind up our wounds and set us on our feet again.

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The Readings:

Job 7:1-4.6-7

1 Corinthians 9:16-19.22-23

Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

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Collect:

Keep your family safe, O Lord, with unfailing care, that, relying solely on the hope of heavenly grace, they may be defended always by your protection.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Tuesday 2nd February

THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

CANDLEMAS

A Light for All Peoples

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Today traditionally concludes the celebration of Christmas. Forty days ago Jesus was born: now we see him as the light to enlighten all peoples and to guide them on the way to salvation and glory.

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The Readings:

Malachi 3:1-4

Hebrews 2:14-18

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

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Collect:

Almighty ever-living God, we humbly implore your majesty that, just as your Only Begotten Son was presented in the Temple in the substance of our flesh, so, by your grace, we may be presented to you with minds made pure.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 31st January 

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

To Be a Spokesman for God

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A prophet is God's spokesman: he speaks God's word to his people. The closer we unite ourselves to Jesus, the more his words will become our own, so that we too may be spokespeople for him.

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The Readings:

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

1 Corinthians 7:32-35

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

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Collect:

Grant us, Lord our God, that we may honour you with all our mind, and love everyone in truth of heart.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 24th January 

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Repent and Believe in the Gospel

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What Jonah preached in Nineveh, what Christ preached at the outset of his ministry, the message is the same: repentance is always needed before we can accept the Good News.

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The Readings:

Jonah 3:1-5.10

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

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Collect:

Almighty ever-living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 17th January 

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

I Come to Do Your Will

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Just as the young boy Samuel was called by God and the first apostles called by our Lord, we too are called to serve him faithfully in accordance with his will.

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The Readings:

1 Samuel 3:3-10.19

1 Corinthians 6:13-15.17-20

Gospel: John 1:35-42

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Collect:

Almighty ever-living God, who govern all things, both in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the pleading of your people and bestow your peace on our times.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 10th January

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Jesus the Living Water

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Wherever there is water, there is life. As Jesus' baptism in the Jordan was the beginning of his life's work, so our baptism is the source of our Christian vocation.

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The Readings:

Isaiah 55:1-11

1 John 5:1-9

Gospel: Mark 1:7-11

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Collect:

Almighty ever-living God, who, when Christ had been baptised in the River Jordan and the Holy Spirit descended upon him, solemnly declared him your beloved Son, grant that your children by adoption, reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, may always be pleasing to you.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 3rd January

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

The Glory of the Lord is Rising in You

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The epiphany, or manifestation of God's glory, sums up the whole Christmas season. Like the wise men, we come to worship our God, to praise him for his wonders and to offer him our thanksgiving, which is the Eucharist.

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The Readings:

Isaiah 60:1-6

Ephesians 3:2-3.5-6

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

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Collect:

O God, who on this day revealed your Only Begotten Son to the nations by the guidance of a star, grant in your mercy that we, who know you already by faith, may be brought to behold the beauty of your sublime glory.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Friday 1st January 2021 - Happy New Year!

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The Octave Day of Christmas

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

God Sent his Son, Born of a Woman

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A Stupendous fact: God chose one of our race, the virgin Mary, to be the mother of his Son. She is our pattern of response to the Father. By her willingness and humility, her "yes" to the angel's message, she has earned the title 'Mother of God' and Mother of the Church'.

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The Readings:

Numbers 6:22-27

Galatians 4:4-7

Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

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Collect:

O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary bestowed on the human race the grace of eternal salvation, grant, we pray, that we may experience the intercession of her, through whom we were found worthy to receive the author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

28 December

THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS

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The Holy Innocents were the children slaughtered by Herod the Great when he tried to kill the infant Christ.

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.” – Matthew 2:16-18

On this Feast, also known as 'Childermas, while still in the Christmas Octave, these innocent, nameless victims are honoured as the first to shed their blood for Christ.

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Collect :

O God, whom the Holy Innocents confessed and proclaimed on this day, not speaking but by dying, grant, we pray, that the faith in you which we confess with our lips may also speak through our manner of life.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 27th December

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH

Trust in God and Each Other

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The family of the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - has revealed itself to us in love. On this Sunday after the Nativity of our Lord we celebrate the model of home life shown by the Holy Family at Nazareth who teaches us the virtue of love, trust in God and in each other, which are vital elements of family life.

We pray today for our families in whatever shape they are formed, for the family of the Church, and for the family of humankind through out the world.

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The Readings:

Genesis 15:1-6.21:1-3

Hebrews 11:8.11-12.17-19

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

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Collect:

O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family, graciously grant that we may imitate them in practising the virtues of family life and in bonds of charity, and so, in the joy of your house, delight one day in eternal rewards.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

26th December

SAINT STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR.

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St. Stephen (+c.35) was one of the seven deacons who assisted the Twelve Apostles by relieving them of the routine duties of giving alms. He was distinguished by his faith and power doing great signs and wonders among the people being filled with the Holy Spirit. His preaching of the Gospel of Christ got him denounced by the Jewish authorities as a blasphemer and he was stoned to death outside the city of Jerusalem. As the Acts of the Apostles tells us, he died praying for those who killed him. Present at his martyrdom was Saul of Tarsus, who was soon to undergo his conversion to the Christian faith and become the Apostle of the Gentiles.

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Collect :

Grant, Lord, we pray, that we may imitate what we worship, and so learn to love even our enemies, for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of a man who knew how to pray even for his persecutors.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Christmas at St. Augustine's

24th December 6:00pm THE FIRST MASS OF CHRISTMAS . Come and join us!

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THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD

A Son is Given to Us

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The darkness of this night is transformed by the birth of our Saviour. As calm and stillness descend upon the earth we hear once more the joyful song, 'Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth'. May that blessing of peace be upon us, our family, our friends, our world.

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The Readings:

Isaiah 9:1-7

Titus 2:11-14

Gospel: Luke 2:1-14

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Collect:

O God, who have made this most sacred night radiant with the splendour of the true light, grant, we pray, that we, who have known the mysteries of his light on earth, may also delight in his gladness in heaven.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 20th December

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT - O Clavis David

Jesus, Born of the House of David

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Centuries ago, God made a promise to his people and that promise is fulfilled when the Angel brought the tidings to Mary. In today's Gospel reading we hear the account of the Annunciation, the mystery to which we return every time we recite the Angelus (here at St. Augustine's we do this every Sunday morning at the end of our Parish Mass) This prayer makes us relive that decisive moment when Mary said "yes" to God's plan for our salvation.

The Collect for today's Mass is the same one we say at the end of the Angelus and with only a few days to go until the Feast of Christmas, we are invited to fix our gaze on the ineffable mystery that Mary treasured for nine months in her virginal womb: the mystery of God who is made man.

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The Readings:

2 Samuel 7:1-5.8-12.14.16

Romans 16:25-27

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

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Collect:

Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 13th December

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Exult for Joy in the Lord

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Today is sometimes called Gaudete Sunday , which comes from the Entrance Antiphon. Gaudete in Latin means Rejoice! We are filled with that reassuring, confident joy that God will visit his people and reveal his goodness. He will not fail us.

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The Readings:

Isaiah 61:1-2.10-11

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Gospel: John 1;6-8.19-28

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Collect:

O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord's Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Tuesday 8th December

THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Rejoice, So Highly Favoured!

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Today we celebrate the Blessed Virgin's unique privilege of being preserved from the stain of sin at the very moment of her Conception. This wa fitting as she would one day carry the second person of the Trinity in her womb. St John Henry Newman wrote that 'there is no difference in kind between her and us, though an inconceivable difference of degree. She and we are both saved by the grace of Christ.' But with Mary, the manner in which she was saved was exceptional: from the first moment of her existence, she was freed from the stain of Original Sin. This dogma was solemnly defined by Pope Pius lX on 8th December 1854 but had long been believed by Christians.

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The Readings :

Genesis 3:-15.20

Ephesians 1:3-6.11-12

Gospel : Luke 1:26-38

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Collect :

O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw, so, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 6th December

Parish Mass at 9:30 am. Come and join us!

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SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Here Is The Lord!

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Today the Church proclaims the Good News to the world: the glory of the Lord is about to be revealed. By lives of loving service we prepare the way for him to come into our hearts.

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The Readings :

Isaiah 40:1-5.9-11

2 Peter 3:8-14

Gospel : Mark 1:1-8

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Collect :

Almighty and merciful God, may no earthly undertaking hinder those who set out in haste to meet your Son, but may our learning of heavenly wisdom gain us admittance to his company.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

3rd December

Saint Francis Xavier, Priest

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St Francis Xavier (1506-1552) was born near Pamplona in what is now Spain and studied in Paris, where he became a follower of St. Ignatius Loyola and was ordained priest in Rome in 1537. He was a founding member of the Society of Jesus, and he spent himself in works of charity. In 1541 he travelled East and for ten years preached the Gospel in India, Borneo, Indonesia and Japan bringing many to the Christian faith. He died of fever on Shangchuan Island in 1552 while on his way to China.

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Collect :

O God, who through the preaching of Saint Francis Xavier won many peoples to yourself, grant that the hearts of the faithful may burn with the same zeal for the faith and that Holy Church may everywhere rejoice in an abundance of offspring.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

30th November

SAINT ANDREW, APOSTLE

They Left Their Nets and Followed Him

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St Andrew (first century) was born at Bethsaida and worked as a fisherman. He is called the Protokletos or 'first called', for he was originally a disciple of St John the Baptist before following Christ and bringing with him his brother, St Peter. After Pentecost he zealously preached the Gospel and was crucified at Patras (Greece) He is Patron of Scotland, where is relics were formerly venerated at St. Andrews.

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Andrew the fisherman was called by Jesus to be an apostle and bring his Gospel to others. Through our baptism we too are called to continue this preaching in the everyday witness of our lives.

Today we pray for the people and the Church in Scotland. For all Churches dedicated to St. Andrew, including St. Andrew's in our town of Grimsby who are also in interregnum at this time.

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Collect :

We humbly implore your majesty, O Lord, that, just as the blessed Apostle Andrew was for your Church a preacher and pastor, so he may be for us a constant intercessor before you.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

We have begun our Advent journey with signs of private prayer.

 

The first Advent candle burns to signify this new beginning of the Advent Hope. Our Patron, St. Augustine of Hippo, one of the great bishops and thinkers of the early days of the Church, described the Christian life as being like a journey and wrote in one of his sermons:

"Sing as travellers sing on a journey in order to help them keep on walking. Lighten your toil by singing and never be idle. Sing and keep on walking. And what do I mean by walking? I mean press on from good to better in this life... Sing up - and keep on walking! "

We may not be able to physically sing our Advent hymns with the Covid restrictions we currently face, but we can sing in our hearts, as we walk with Mary and Joseph and the unborn Saviour in Mary's womb, walking with them to Bethlehem.

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May Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. Augustine, pray for us.

Sunday 29th November 2020

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FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Christ Will Come Again

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Today is the first day of the Liturgical Year and we follow the cycle of Readings in Year B

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Jesus came at Bethlehem long ago. He comes to us today through the Holy Eucharist by the power of the Holy Spirit. Awake and ready, we await his coming again in glory.

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The Readings :

Isaiah 63:16-17.64:1.3-8

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

The Gospel : Mark 13:33-37

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Collect :

Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming, so that, gathered at his right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly Kingdom.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

ADVENT

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As we come to the Season of Advent, which begins on Sunday (29th November) it is worth reminding ourselves what this season is about:

The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” which is a translation of the Greek word parousia. Most know Advent today as a time of anticipation and expectation of the birth of Christ. However, Advent began as early as the 4th and 5th centuries as a time of fasting and prayer for new Christians. The first mention of Advent occurred in the 300’s A.D at a meeting of church leaders called the Council of Sargossa. It gradually developed into a season that stretched across the month of December. Advent lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The Advent season not only symbolises the waiting for Christ's birth but also for his final return.

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A PRAYER FOR ADVENT - by Henri J. M. Nouwen

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!"

Amen.

Sunday 22nd November 2020

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Due to government restrictions we are unable to gather for public worship today.

HOWEVER we are OPEN for Private Prayer from 10:00am for about an hour.

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OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE

Jesus Christ, Shepherd and King

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As shepherd, Christ looks after his flock, tending each one, separating the sheep from the goats. As King, he brings his flock safely into the glorious kingdom of God who is his Father and ours.

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The Readings :

Ezekiel 34:11-12.15-17

1 Corinthians 15:20-26.28

The Gospel : Matthew 25:31:46

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Collect :

Almighty ever-living God,

Whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the universe,

grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

21st November

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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On this day, which was the dedication in the year 543 of the Church of Our Lady near to the Temple in Jerusalem, together with the Christians of the Eastern Rites we celebrate that dedication of herself which Mary made to God from her very early childhood under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit who filled her with grace at her Immaculate Conception.

The Presentation of Mary is not recorded in the New Testament but is told in the apocryphal Gospel of James. In being presented in this way, Our Lady's dedication of herself to the service of God and kept her open to His will. This Feast prepares us for Advent and Christmas, we we celebrate the coming of her Divine Son into the world.

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Collect:

As we venerate the glorious memory of the most holy Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, O Lord, through her intercession, that we, too, may merit to receive from the fullness of your grace.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

19th November

ST. HILDA, Religious

 

St. Hilda (614-680) was born into the Northumbrian, royal family and baptised by St. Paulinus at the age of thirteen. She eventually decided to enter the Religious Life, aged thirty-three, and became superior of the double monastery (both men and women) at Hartlepool. She later moved as Abbess to the double monastery at Whitby, where she hosted the famous Synod in 663-64 which reconciled the differing rites used in the Church at the time, favouring the Roman Rite. St. Hilda died in 680 her supposed relics were in later years claimed by Glastonbury and Gloucester.

 

St. Hilda is Co-Patron with St. Wilfred of The Society to which we belong and we pray today for Norman our Bishop and all the Society Bishops, Priests, Deacons and Parishes.

 

Collect:

O God, who made Saint Hilda radiant with holiness and by her guidance gave learning, growth and unity to your Church, grant, by her example and prayers, the grace to proclaim your Gospel in our day and to sing your unceasing praise.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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17th November

ST. HUGH OF LINCOLN, Bishop

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St. Hugh (c.1140-1200) was born at Avalon in Burgundy (France) and first entered the Augustinian Canons, before moving to the stricter Carthusian Order. After ten years at the Grande Chartreuse, he was sent to Witham in Somerset (England) to take charge of the recently-founded Charterhouse there. In 1186 he was reluctantly appointed Bishop of Lincoln and proved to be a holy and reforming pastor. He died at his residence at Lincoln's Inn, London, in 1200 and his symbol is a swan, a reference to the swan of Stowe that became his companion and guarded him as he slept.

St. Hugh's Day is held as a Feast within our Lincoln Diocese and we pray for the Bishops and work of the Diocese today and for the future of our own parish, that a faithful Parish Priest my be found for us.

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Collect:

O God, who gave the Bishop Saint Hugh of Lincoln the grace of relying on you alone and endowed him with a wise and cheerful boldness to commend to earthly rulers the merits of a holy life, grant us, we pray, that with him as our advocate, we may have good cause for the hope that is in us.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 15th November 2020

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THE THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME.

The Day of The Lord is Coming

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The sense of urgency increases. God has given each of us a particular talent: a special skill or quality to use for his glory. In this way we are to produce a harvest of fruitful growth if we are to hear his 'well done!' on the Last Day.

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The Readings :

Proverbs 31:10-13.19-20.30-31

1 Thessalonians 5: 1-6

The Gospel : Matthew 25:14-30

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Collect :

Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 8th November 2020

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REMEMBERANCE SUNDAY

THE THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME.

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We reflect and remember today, those who made the ultimate sacrifice and laid down their lives during the past World Wars and other conflicts in defence of the freedoms and peace we enjoy today. We pray for a true and lasting Peace between the Nations, that their sacrifice will never be in vain.

Here we publish the Readings and Collect given for the 32nd Sunday of the Year, where we are called to be alert and ready for the return of Christ, the Bridegroom, when he comes at the appointed time to lead us to the Father with all his saints.

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The Readings :

Wisdom 6:12-16

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The Gospel : Matthew 25:1-13

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Collect :

Almighty and merciful God, graciously keep from all adversity so that, unhindered in mind and body alike, we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are yours. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

2nd November

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ALL SOULS' DAY

THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

Whoever Comes to Me I Shall Not Turn Away.

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Today we commend to God's mercy all who have died. God is a merciful judge who wills that everyone should live because his Son has redeemed the whole human race. As we remember those of our own family and friends who have gone before us, the sadness of death gives way to the bright promise of immortality.

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The Readings :

Isaiah 25:6-9

Romans 5:5-11

Gospel : Matthew 11:25-30

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Collect :

Listen kindly to our prayers, O Lord, and, as our faith in your Son, raised from the dead, is deepened, so may our hope of resurrection for your departed servants also find new strength. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Sunday 1st November

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Parish Mass at 9:30 am. Come and join us!

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ALL SAINTS

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This Solemnity celebrates all those who are in Heaven, in the light of God’s face - both those recognised by the Church as Saints and those known only to the Lord.

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To Be With God For Ever

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We all long to see God face to face. Today we honour the countless men and women who remained faithful to Christ's gospel to the hour of their death. We pray for their intercession to help us to follow them to the heavenly city.

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The Readings :

Apocalypse 7:2-4.9-14

1 John 3:1-2

Gospel : Matthew 5:1-12

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Collect :

Almighty ever-living God, by whose gift we venerate in one celebration the merits of all the Saints, bestow on us, we pray, through the prayers of so many intercessors, an abundance of the reconciliation with you for which we earnestly long. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

28th October

SAINT SIMON AND JUDE, Apostles

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The name of Simon is placed eleventh in the list of apostles and is usually called 'the Canaanite' and 'the Zealot', suggesting he belonged to the Jewish party of the 'Zealous of the Law'.

St. Jude, also known as Thaddeus, was the apostle who, at the Last Supper, asked the Lord why he showed himself only to the disciples and not to the world (John 14:22). He has a short epistle in the New Testament ascribed to him, and is popularly invoked as the patron of hopeless causes.

Tradition says that after Pentecost they evangelised, Simon in Egypt, Jude in Mesopotamia, and together in Persia, where they were martyred. Their names appear in the Roman Canon.

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Collect :

O God, who by the blessed Apostles have brought us to acknowledge your name, graciously grant, through the intercession of Saints Simon and Jude, that the Church may constantly grow by increase of the people who believe in you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 25th October

Parish Mass at 9:30 am. Come and join us!

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THE THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Love Your Neighbour as Yourself

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God always has a special care for those who are particularly vulnerable: the stranger, the homeless, the sick in mind, body or spirit, the widow, the orphan, the outcast of society. Jesus' instruction is clear - treat others as we would treat ourselves. This is the crux of the Gospel.

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The Readings :

Exodus 22:20-26

1 Thessalonians 1:5-10

Gospel : Matthew 22:34 40

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Collect :

Almighty ever-living God, increase our faith, hope and charity, and make us love what you command, so that we may merit what you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

22nd October

SAINT JOHN PAUL II, Pope

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Karol Józef WojtyÅ‚a was born in 1920 in Wadowice, Poland. After his ordination to the priesthood and theological studies in Rome, he returned to his homeland and resumed various pastoral and academic tasks. He became first auxiliary bishop and, in 1964, Archbishop of Kraków and took part in the Second Vatican Council. On 16 October 1978 he was elected pope and took the name John Paul II. His exceptional apostolic zeal, particularly for families, young people and the sick, led him to numerous pastoral visits throughout the world. Among the many fruits which he has left as a heritage to the Church are above all his rich Magisterium and the promulgation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as well as the Code of Canon Law for the Latin Church and for the Eastern Churches. In Rome on 2 April 2005, the eve of the Second Sunday of Easter (or of Divine Mercy), he departed peacefully in the Lord. He was canonized by Pope Francis on 27 April, the Second Sunday of Easter 2014.

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Collect:

O God, who are rich in mercy

and who willed that Saint John Paul the Second

should preside as Pope over your universal Church,

grant, we pray, that instructed by his teaching,

we may open our hearts to the saving grace of Christ,

the sole Redeemer of mankind,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham (Anglican)

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‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it unto me according to thy word’.

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On this eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Walsingham (24 September), we pray for the life and work of the Shrine. Join us for Sung Mass live from the Shrine Church at 9am tomorrow as we rejoice in Mary’s prayers and protection in England’s Nazareth and for our nation.

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The service will be streamed on this page and on the Shrine's website: https://www.walsinghamanglican.org.uk/.../solemnity-our.../

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The image is of Raphael's Sistine Madonna - one of the greatest paintings of the Renaissance period. The original painting is in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden.

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